There is a ‘ray of hope’ in US-China trade war after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met at G20, says Beijing’s ambassador to Malaysia

During his keynote address, Bai Tian claimed a stable US-China relationship would benefit not only the two countries but also the rest of the world

He also characterised China’s belt and road initiative as a platform for international cooperation that has been widely embraced

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Bai Tian, the Chinese ambassador to Malaysia, with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad last year. Photo: Twitter

Published: 2:36pm, 8 Jul 2019Updated: 10:52am, 9 Jul 2019

The accord between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit offers a “ray of hope” for easing trade tensions, according to Bai Tian, Beijing’s ambassador to Malaysia.

“We wish the US side would live up to its words and meet halfway with the Chinese side,” he said at the Malaysia-China Outlook forum in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

The forum hosted discussions of Malaysia’s and China’s shared economic and strategic interests under the theme “What’s Next After Beijing BRI?” – referring to China’s belt and road initiative.

During his keynote address, Bai Tian claimed a stable US-China relationship would benefit not only the two countries but also the rest of the world.

“A mutually beneficial solution through dialogue and discussion would be achieved at last, which will bestow the global market with confidence and vitality,” he said.

Invoking a comparison to the 2008 financial crisis, Bai Tian said the global economy has again reached a crossroads, with “protectionism and unilateralism rampaging”. On the other hand, he characterised China’s belt and road strategy as a platform for international cooperation that has been widely embraced.

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